Why This Recent Obsession For C3 Weight Reduction?

[toobroketoretire]

In another forum I have seen a recent trend to reduce the C3's weight as much as possible. But unless the C3 is being track raced and every pound counts why bother? As the average American is about 50 pounds overweight that seems like the best place to start. Put the fork down and take a walk around the block. Yes, there are some aftermarket parts that ARE lighter then the OEM parts but I'm sure not willing to pay hundreds of dollars to reduce my '71's weight a few pounds nor am I willing to drive around with only 1/4 tank to save some weight nor am I willing to run teensy tires to save weight nor drive around without a passenger to save weight.

I love to drive my HEAVY '71 with it's factory A/C and big soft tires and heavy 454". The more weight you haul the softer the ride is so for me weight reduction for my street-driven C3 is a non-issue.

 

[Hib Halverson]

In another forum I have seen a recent trend to reduce the C3's weight as much as possible. But unless the C3 is being track raced and every pound counts why bother? As the average American is about 50 pounds overweight that seems like the best place to start. Put the fork down and take a walk around the block. Yes, there are some aftermarket parts that ARE lighter then the OEM parts but I'm sure not willing to pay hundreds of dollars to reduce my '71's weight a few pounds nor am I willing to drive around with only 1/4 tank to save some weight nor am I willing to run teensy tires to save weight nor drive around without a passenger to save weight.

I love to drive my HEAVY '71 with it's factory A/C and big soft tires and heavy 454". The more weight you haul the softer the ride is so for me weight reduction for my street-driven C3 is a non-issue.

Damn...."toobroketoretire" has a point there. I'm getting kinda old like him and I want a cushy ride.

I'm going to ballast my 71 with about 500-lbs of lead. Man...it ought to ride like my Dad's old Cadillac Fleetwood.

 

[Antz81]

Damn...."toobroketoretire" has a point there. I'm getting kinda old like him and I want a cushy ride..

As mine is only a weekend toy it rides how it rides. But it's not cushy. And I see no need to change it to be so. If i wanted a cushy ride i wouldn't have got a vette. But I don't see the point in trying to make it lighter. Best performance upgrade in my mind would be a newer vette. But I'll keep the C3.

 

[Tom Bryant]

He has a good point there. My '81 with driver is down 25 lbs. since I retired in January and I haven't had to do anything to the car. The modifications to the driver has been a real job though.

Tom

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

To me, the trend is anything but recent. It was in full swing when I got into the hobby in the late 80s.

 

[toobroketoretire]

Weight Reduction

In the 1850's the average 6 foot tall country-dwelling American male weighed 145 pounds. I am exactly 6 feet tall and I have weighed that much several times in my life without any issues. When my weight gets to the point where I have trouble putting on my socks or shoes I go on a Coca-Cola diet in which I eat at least one GOOD meal a day and sip Cokes the rest of the day.

But as far as our C3's go I can't see spending a ton of money to buy aftermarket parts just because they are a couple of pounds lighter than the OEM parts. If the part is needed and it happens to be a bit lighter than stock then so be it. But I won't buy a part just because it's lighter. I carry a spare tire everywhere I go because a catastrophic failure CAN occur but a lot of C3 owners don't carry one just because they add weight. A full tank of gas also adds weight but I'm sure not going to run 5 gallons then stop every 75 miles to add more.

 

[stevolwevol]

As far as C3 curb weight goes, I believe that aftermarket vendors have created a solution in search of a problem. If you want a lighter sports car, then get a MGB. If performance is such a big issue, then why start with an antiquated old school sports car like the beloved C3?

Except for my composite mono-spring, my 77 suspension is stock, and works wonderfully. I'm happy with the way it corners, and handles in spite if how old, or how heavy the car is.

 

[SVO]

A ZL-1 427 powered C3 (1970 coupe) is a blast to drive. Big block torque with the weight of a small block. Weight reduction at it's best.

 

[frank_nesta]

Weight

I have a friend who is all about weight reduction. Unstrung weight. Drives a Lotus 7 with a Cosworth engine(250 HP). It started out at 1200 pounds and has it down to 980 pounds. He weights 120 pounds and recently bought a magnesium bell housing to save 5 pounds and a titanium exhaust to save another 5 pounds. It is his car, his money, and it makes him happy. If it makes you happy have at it. What else is there. Yes, we tell him he needs therapy. He just smiles. I have to tell you that this thing moves.